ranunculus

noun

ra·​nun·​cu·​lus rə-ˈnəŋ-kyə-ləs 

plural ranunculus or ranunculuses or ranunculi rə-ˈnəŋ-kyə-ˌlī 

-ˌlē

: any of a large genus (Ranunculus of the family Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family) of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants with tuberous or fibrous roots and typically yellow, five-petaled, cup-shaped flowers and including one (R. asiaticus) of southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia widely cultivated for its white, yellow, pink, red, or orange flowers having multiple layers of petals see buttercup, lesser celandine

Examples of ranunculus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 80 million vibrant ranunculus are blooming early this year because of the mild winter, and April will be the peak, the Union-Tribune reports. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025

Choose a cheerful color, such as yellow or these vivid pink ranunculus. 12 of 30 Decorate with Fresh Greenery Using full spring branches is a quick way to make a dramatic statement. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2025

The Flower Fields back March 1 The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch will reopen its 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus on March 1. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025

Opaque vases full of ranunculus, carnations, and roses bring a refreshing garden feel to this Christmas table. —Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, from diminutive of rana frog

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above